THE GATHERING
Dr Sooliman gave up his career as a doctor to pursue humanitarian aid. In 1992, he founded the Gift of the Givers Foundation, which has delivered more than R160-million in aid to 22 countries. It is the largest disaster response NGO of African origin.
Dr Cairncross is an associate professor of surgery at UCT and the head of Groote Schuur’s Breast and Endocrine Surgery Unit. As a health activist, she has been involved in the Treatment Action Campaign and the People’s Health Movement.
Zikode is the president of the SA shack dwellers’ movement, which he co-founded in 2005. Abahlali baseMjondolo claims an audited membership of more than 80,000. Zikode’s writing has been published in books and international newspapers.
Dr Abedian is the founder and CEO of Pan-African Capital Holdings and former group economist of Standard Bank. He is chairman of Bigen Africa and a director of Munich Re of Africa and Capital Fund Ltd.
Hill-Lewis is the mayor of Cape Town. He entered Parliament in 2011 at the age of 24, at the time the youngest MP to be elected. He served as the DA’s spokesperson on finance and on trade and industry.
Zibi, head of communications at Absa, is a former editor of He has more than 20 years of corporate experience, during which he has been a communication and corporate affairs professional and a leader in diverse industries.
Maimane, former leader of the DA and Leader of the Opposition, has spoken to more than 100 JSE-listed companies on climate, generational change and technology. He has chaired a number of NGOs focused on community development.
Pappas, a development economist, is the mayor of the uMngeni Local Municipality. He is the DA’s KZN deputy leader, and has served on the eThekwini city council and as a member of the provincial legislature.